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On the evening of Tuesday 28th March 2017 we were again privileged to host the annual Woking Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Ceremony here at H G Wells. Our Wells Room was looking splendid with balloon arrangements adorning the tables and the room filled with seating for the proud parents to watch their offspring being presented with their awards. For everyone’s entertainment the screens in the Wells showed films of the students taking part in various expeditions. The stage was set and bursting with Fullbrook School’s talented band which played for the occasion at the start of the evening setting an exciting tone and continued between the awards. The evening was attended by the Mayor of Woking & Consort and the Runnymede Mayor & Mayoress. Dan Ely was the charity guest speaker.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a national scheme that is open to all young people aged between 14 and 25 and consists of four elements: physical, voluntary, skill and an expedition. There is an additional residential requirement for Gold D of E. Completing the scheme, at any level, demonstrates a person’s commitment and determination. The individual’s achievements not only have a great impact on their own lives but on the lives of others during the voluntary service element.

Dan Ely from Godalming was the charity guest speaker and uplifted all in the Wells Room with his inspirational story. He worked with impoverished children in Latin America for two years before a diving accident left him paralysed from the shoulders down. He had a tremendous fight on his hands to face up to the emotional and physical challenges of being so severely disabled. During this time he had the opportunity to meet other people with similar disabilities who had overcome extensive adversity to achieve great things in life. This inspired him to pursue his dream of starting apprentice style training schemes for children living in poverty in Colombia and Latin America. Consequently he set up the Dan Ely Foundation.

After the awards were received there were refreshments on offer in our Griffin Bar whilst photos were taken in the Wells Room.

An enjoyable evening was had by all with a chance to reflect on the efforts of today’s younger generation to give something back to a society that often perceives them as being self absorbed and to admire their determination to succeed in the challenges brought about by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

An enjoyable evening was had by all with a chance to reflect on the efforts of today’s younger generation to give something back to a society that often perceives them as being self absorbed and to admire their determination to succeed in the challenges brought about by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

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